WEATHER: While it was raining when I first got here and they put the tarp on the field for about an hour, it’s actually been pretty nice out for the past two hours. The game is definitely going to start on time, but the forecast gets worse as the night goes on. We shall see.

GOOD & BAD NEWS ON INJURED PITCHERS: Two bits of information have surfaced in the past two hours that effect two rehabbing Yankee pitchers. The good news is that Joba Chamberlain made a successful appearance with Double-A Trenton today. He pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing one hit while striking out the side in the eighth. He threw 30 pitches, 23 for strikes, with his fastball sitting between 94-98 mph. The bad news is that Andy Pettitte suffered a slight setback. His injured left leg swelled up a bit after he threw on flat ground while the team was in Seattle, but Larry Rothschild said a September 1 return is still feasible.

HIGH FIVE: In their eight games with the Red Sox so far this season, the Yankees have scored at least five runs in each, matching their second longest streak against Boston. They scored at least five against their archrival in 15 straight back in 1932.

IN CLOSING: The Yankees are 21-11 in series finales so far this season. They have won seven of their last nine.

(Note: I’ll be updating the action here every so often, but I’ll be much more active on Twitter. To join the conversation, follow me @vzmercogliano.)

UPDATE, 8:35 p.m.: After a quick, five-pitch first inning, Kuroda just gave up a two-out, two-run double to Sweeney in the top of the second. The Red Sox take an early 2-0 lead.

UPDATE, 9:27 p.m.: The Yankees have really struggled against Doubront tonight. Through four innings, he’s allowed only one hit, but the Yanks have failed to make him pay for five walks. Ichiro has failed to come through twice with two runners on. It’s still 2-0 Sox.

UPDATE, 10:40 p.m.: Martin finally got the Yankees on the board in the bottom of the seventh with a solo homer to lead off the inning, but the Yankees blew a chance to tie the game. Ichiro singled and stole second, advancing to third on a single from Jeter. But Granderson flew out to shallow left, and Tex grounded out to second to end the threat. Doubront came out of the game with one out in the seventh, striking out seven while allowing just four hits. He did walk five, but the Yankees failed to capitalize. It’s 2-1 Boston.

UPDATE, 11:01 p.m.: Martin comes through again. His RBI single with two outs in the eighth has tied the game at 2-2. Walk off, anyone?